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Gadfly (Meng Chong)
⚠ Not for home use. Gadfly (Meng Chong) is toxic in the wrong dose. In Chinese medicine it is used only after special processing and only on a licensed practitioner’s prescription. Do not buy, prepare, or take it on your own. This page is kept for reference.
虻蟲
Gadfly (Mengchong)
Pharmaceutical Name: Tabanus
Zoological Name: Tabanus bivittatus Mats.
Common Name: Gadfly
Source of Earliest Record: Shennong Bencao Jing
Part Used: The female gadfly is caught in May or June. It is boiled or steamed, and then dried in the sun.
Natural Properties & Taste: Bitter, slightly cold and slightly toxic
Meridians: Liver
Therapeutic Effects:
To invigorate blood and remove stagnation.
Indications & Combinations:
1. Amenorrhea or abdominal and epigastric masses caused by blood stagnation. Gadfly (Mengchong) is used with Leech (Shuizhi), Cockroach (Chechong), Peach seed (Taoren) and Rhubarb (Dahuang) in the formula Dahuang Zhechong Wan.
2. Pain due to external injury. Gadfly (Mengchong) is used with Frankincense (Ruxiang), Myrrh (Moyao) and Peach seed (Taoren).
Dosage: 1-1.5 g. 0.3 g for baked powder
Cautions & Contraindications: This substance is contraindicated during pregnancy.
Traditional use is not proof of safety or effect. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using any herb if you are pregnant, nursing, or take medicine.
